STRATEGIES
Learn at least one additional language. Spend a semester studying abroad.
Seek an international internship, even if unpaid. Obtain volunteer, part-time,
or summer experience at related organizations. Make personal contacts within
targeted businesses. Learn about NAFTA, WTO, and GATT policies. Develop your
skills domestically and begin to develop a network of contacts if you want to
pursue a career abroad. Acquire supervisory skills and experience by taking
leadership roles in student organizations. Learn about geography and international
travel regulations. Sharpen your public speaking skills and communication skills
between cultures. Make a commitment to continuous growth in understanding cultural
diversity. Keep abreast of political, economic, and social changes worldwide.
Increase cultural awareness and sensitivity for foreign markets and people.
Develop an understanding of the international business environment. Research
firms with international interests.

AREASINTERNATIONAL RELATIONS/ GOVERNMENT
International Law
Diplomacy
Foreign Affairs
Public Service
Institutional/Community Development

STRATEGIES
Participate in an overseas mission experience. Plan to study abroad or participate
in an international work experience. Learn a second or third language.
Demonstrate your depth of dedication, willingness to adapt, and coping mechanisms
to combat stress and difficult situations. Develop skills in the areas of organizing
groups, efficiency, and the ability to calm people.

STRATEGIES
Gain practical domestic teaching experience and necessary training or certificate
to teach abroad. Research certification options (TESOL, CELTA, CELTC, TEFL)
Obtain certificates from schools whose graduates are hired in the international
marketplace. Teaching training should include supervised classroom experience.
Consider obtaining intensive TELS (Teaching English and a Second Language) training.
Volunteer to tutor children and adults in English. Learn other languages to
help understand how languages work. Sharpen intercultural competency, sensitivity,
and tolerance. Develop superior written and oral communication skills in the
English language including proper sentence structure and comprehensive vocabulary.
Notify local hospitals, schools, and chambers of commerce of your availability
to translate or interpret for international visitors. Minor or double major
in another subject that you could also teach. Earn a master's degree in College
Student Affairs to work with study abroad programs or with international student
services.

STRATEGIES
Obtain a summer job or internship with a newspaper. Demonstrate curiosity, high
energy level, ability to produce under pressure, and withstand criticism. Develop
excellent grammar and writing skills. Create a portfolio of writing samples,
especially those that have been published. Join a professional journalism organization.
Research international newspapers. Gain experience with campus newspaper or
media. Travel or study abroad.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Entry-level positions are generally in the U.S., with mid-level positions involving
some international travel. Corporations hire employees with the most experience
or skills set for overseas work.

Target larger firms that may be more likely to employ contracting services.

Develop linguistic skills. Learn a second and third language.

Demonstrate intercultural competency, sensitivity, and tolerance.

Gain experience in communications with people from other countries. Get to
know international students on your campus.

Live and/or work abroad while in school.

Commit to a continuous study of host country’s language.

Develop a good understanding of etiquette and business practices in country
of target.

Look for temporary positions abroad.

Obtain daily papers in target city to determine international and national
news, business features, real estate markets, and community calendars.

Work domestically with an international firm as a contract representative.

Develop traits such as creativity, initiative, tenacity, a willingness to take
risks and an adventurous spirit, and a sense of humor.

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of
Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA
/ADEA Employer